Otis R. Thompson

Otis was born on November 25, 1935 in Zephyr, Texas, a son of Bonnor B. and Juanita R. (Waldrum) Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Patsy Turner.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home, located at 1029 S. Greenville Avenue, Richardson, TX 75081. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery.

A visitation will be held the evening prior, Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM also at the Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home.

Otis was a 1954 graduate of N. R. Crozier Technical High School. While in high school he earned his Electrician Journeyman License and his Electrician Master License in 1961.

Otis served the U S Army in 1957 and again in 1961-1962 at Fort Lewis Washington – Wire Team Chief Station.

While in school, starting at the age of 12 years old, Otis helped his dad wire houses in Highland Park.

Otis always appreciated his start in the Electrical Industry with Abright Electric as a Junior Estimator, then as a Project Manager in Panama and on to Estimator/Project Manager until 1961 when he was called to go to Fort Lewis Washington. Upon his return in 1962, he went back to work for Abright Electric as Chief Estimator on Commerical Projects.

September 1963, Otis went out on his own to start Able Electric Co., Inc. with full intentions of being the best in the area.

Otis taught an electrical apprenticeship school in 1973, he enjoyed teaching electrical concepts.

He served on the National Electrical Code Panel from 1980 to 1984.

He was a long time Member of Independent Electrical Contractors-Dallas and formerly served on the Board of Directors.

Customer service was always one of his top priority as well as helping those less fortunate with electrical repairs. He had a heart of gold. He was an excellent teacher and mentor to those who were interested in being an electrician. He was helpful to all who knew and worked with him over the years. He was very generous and rewarded those who worked hard and cared about Able Electric over the years. He would say “I’ve had some good customers and really smart electricians”. He also has said that to those who are interested in starting an electrical construction company, “It’s knowing how to get the business and how to get the right people”.

As a young man, 14 – 24 years old, he played and loved Roller Hockey and even roller skated into his 70s. Otis was an avid pool player and also enjoyed country-western dancing.

Otis was a father figure to many and is loved and will be deeply missed.

Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home in Richardson, Texas has charge of arrangements.